Reprieve for Fourie as immigration officials say former England flanker can remain in UK

South Africa-born former England flanker Hendre Fourie has been told by immigration officials he can stay in the United Kingdom, despite voicing fears he could be deported.

The 33-year-old, who won eight caps for England, was forced to retire earlier last week because of a shoulder injury and consequently had his contract cancelled by his club Sale.

His former team-mates for club and country started a campaign on twitter as there was outcry about deporting someone who had represented England only months ago.

Reprieve: Fourie feared he was being kicked out

Fourie, whose 18-month-old son Hendro was born in England, has been in the country for eight years, and also played for Rotherham and Leeds.

'We have not curtailed Mr Fourie's visa at this time and he is not required to leave the UK,' a UK Border Agency spokesman said.

'His employment contract with Sale Rugby Club has been terminated and his employer has rightly informed UKBA of this decision. We are considering what action to take next.

'If an individual’s circumstances change and they no longer meet the terms of their specific visa they can apply for a visa of a different type.

'Mr Fourie has been informed of the process and the various options available to him. It is entirely up to him if he chooses to explore any of them further.'

While he, his wife Corlia and
English-born son, Hendro, were planning to return to South Africa in the
future, he felt that he had a debt to settle first, while waiting to be
granted British citizenship.

Staying game: Fourie will not be asked to leave

Fourie wanted to give something back, and to harness the expertise he acquired on his path to Test rugby, to teach English kids about the game.

'I wanted to repay this country for
everything that I have received here,’ Fourie told Sportsmail. 'I have
done a teaching degree here so I wanted to give my knowledge back —
maybe coach kids at schools or something like that. That was the plan
anyway.

He added: 'At the end of November, the
UK Border Agency did a review of Sale’s foreign players and saw that my
contract was coming to an end.

'They said that my visa would be cancelled. I was told that it was 60 days from when the visa was cancelled to when I have to go, so I have to leave in a few weeks.

'What angers me is the way we have been treated — it has been a short, sharp "get-out" order.

'If I had never played for England, it wouldn’t be an issue, but I put my body on the line for this country. I wasn’t wanting any reward, but it would have been nice to be marked down as a British citizen.'